Our Thanksmas Tradition

From top left: John, Lindsay, Lindsey, Z, MC, Christopher, Katie & Fox

It has been seven years since the very first Thanksmas took place in our house on Deerwood. Born of a desire to have a holiday celebration with our friends-that-may-as-well-be-family, we draped mismatched cloths over a line of card tables, gathered every spare chair in the house and gave thanks over a meal which we never imagined would become such a special and meaningful tradition. Lindsay, Katie, MC and I lived in the house on Deerwood for two years. Built in the early 1900’s Deerwood was a mess. We tiptoed over the creaky floors, made dinner in the terribly dated kitchen, and fought endlessly with our landlord over the malfunctioning bathrooms – one complete with an extra-large jacuzzi tub, a massive crack splitting down the center. For all of it’s flaws, Deerwood had an incredible amount of character. It was our home and to us, it was perfect. Under Deerwood’s roof we developed a tight-knit family, a bond that has lasted long after we handed over the keys. We’ve celebrated marriages, comforted each other in times of loss and have shared in the joy of welcoming three fantastically beautiful little lives into our circle. Long gone are the days at Deerwood, however Thanksmas has remained. Like a child on Christmas morning, I was beyond excited to gather at John and Lindsay’s new home this year. MC came ready with the games she custom creates just for Thanksmas and we set about feasting on fried turkey, sauteed brussel sprouts and rice with butternut squash, goat cheese and crispy prosciutto (recipe to follow in a future post). It was a very happy Thanksmas indeed, a tradition I am honored to share with friends-turned-family this year and for all the years to come. A few photos of Thanksmas 2012 follow, a glimpse into our special night… one I can’t wait to recreate next year. Happy Thanksmas!